Shirley Fay Middleton (Beall) was born on January 2, 1933, in Taneyville, Missouri, to Thomas and Eunice Beall. She passed away at the age of 92 on February 15, 2025 in Springfield, MO.

Shirley married James Dorsey (JD) Middleton Jr. on December 25, 1949, and shortly after, they moved to Colorado. Together, they had five children: Marjorie A. Guthrie (Jim), Robert James Middleton, Michael W. Middleton (Lucy), Jeanne L. Trujillo (Lonnie), and Gail L. Middleton.

Shirley earned a master’s degree and devoted many years to teaching special education. She was honored as Teacher of the Year and deeply cherished the students whose lives she touched, especially those needing the most support. Her compassion and dedication were felt by all who knew her.

In 1987, Shirley and JD returned to Missouri, where she continued teaching. She was awarded a Certificate of Recognition from the Council of Exceptional Children before retiring in 1996. Together, Shirley and JD joined a camper club, an important part of their lives, where they made lifelong friends. Shirley was beloved by many in both Missouri and Colorado, and she looked forward to meeting with a group of wonderful women every Friday morning for breakfast.

Shirley and JD lovingly maintained a beautiful log cabin in Forsyth, Missouri, which JD’s distant grandfather built in 1837. The home remains largely unchanged and in pristine condition, thanks to the care and dedication of Shirley, JD, and their five children. After JD’s passing in 1997, Shirley continued to live in the family home, preserving the rich heritage of their family.

A passionate genealogist, Shirley was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed sharing the history of Taney County with everyone she met, and her sharp memory of dates, events, and people remained remarkable throughout her life.

Above all, Shirley was incredibly proud of her five children and their families. She often traveled to visit her children and grandchildren, and it was common to see her cheering at her great-grandchildren’s sporting events and dance performances. Shirley’s legacy includes nine grandchildren: Shelley Foley, Jeffrey Duggan, Harmony Trujillo, Laura Ivy, Mannie Trujillo, Kelly Amadeo, Scott Middleton, James Middleton, and Mitch Middleton. She was also adored by many great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and their spouses.

Shirley was preceded in death by her husband JD, her son Bob, her siblings Elizabeth, Jean, Harriet, Thomas, and Nelda, and her parents.

Shirley was one of the kindest and happiest people many had the privilege to know, and her legacy will continue to inspire love and compassion for years to come.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, February 28, 2025 at The River in Forsyth, Missouri with burial to follow in the Ragsdale Cemetery under the direction of Greenlawn Funeral Home in Branson.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Shirley’s name to the White River Valley Historical Society at PO Box #841, Forsyth, Missouri 65653.